[James H]

There's a new service the gov't launched last year allowing you to check the MOT history on cars. Do this before you even pick the phone up, it can identify potential problems and show up cars with a "less than glorious" past. https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

As for cars, me being me would suggest to get something Japanese. I've done 60,000 miles in the Celica in 3 years and it's not needed anything doing bar usual servicing and a set of front discs.

I had a diesel Almera and had no problems with that, although it might be a bit over your price range. The 2000+ 1.5 petrol models have issues with timing chain stretch so the 1.8 is the way to go on those.

Do looks matter to you is the main question I guess

[neilt0]

Thanks for the tip!

Looks don't matter for this car at all. Previous cars, yes, but not this one!

[neilt0]

There's a new service the gov't launched last year allowing you to check the MOT history on cars. Do this before you even pick the phone up, it can identify potential problems and show up cars with a "less than glorious" past. https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Yeah, this has not done 16,000 miles: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 1220328890

Not when in 2008:

Test date
21 January 2008
Test Result
Fail
Odometer reading 83,660 miles
MOT test number 1448 4132 8049
Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)
Horn not working (1.6.2a)

[Topher]

Wow - I didn't think you could clock them any more?

[James H]

You used to just be able to check cars for which you had a V5 reference number (or old MOT certificate) but they opened it up to all last year, has really helped out when looking for second hand cars!

[Topher]

No I mean I didn't think you could just plug a drill in and run it backwards any more or whatever they used to do... I guess if they get into the software they can do it though.

[neilt0]

Or just replace the odometer, which is what they do AIUI.
Car guy at work knows a mechanic who's selling an 02 Diesel Focus, so may look at that.

[bmstinton93]

The handbrake on my 2001 Nissan micra snapped off last night, how much should I expect to pay to get this fixed at Halfords autocentre today?

[Topher]

I know very little about cars, but I do know that if Halford's can do it, they'll almost certainly charge more than a smaller local shop or garage to do it, they are rip off merchants. Personally I'd try to find a local place.

[bmstinton93]

Ha, Yeah Halfords quoted £150 without even looking. However, it's very hard to find a local place when working away for a few days!

[Topher]

Fair point. If "away" is Milton Keynes, I can definitely recommend a place.

[bmstinton93]

Unfortunately, away is Basingstoke! Anyone happen to live there?!